Showing posts with label House of Harlow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label House of Harlow. Show all posts

Friday 8 January 2016

Second Trimester Evening Outfits: Jersey Maxi Dresses & Pregnancy Weight Comments

As much as I love a good singlet and shorts combo for being pregnant over summer, you can't beat the simplicity of a maxi dress for looking put-together. They are perfect for feeling dressed up enough for going out for dinner, while still being incredibly comfortable and accommodating to a baby bump.

What I wore:

Away From Blue | Second Trimester jersey maxi dress Christmas party outfit vintage Chanel bag

AwayFromTheBlue | Chanel vintage quilted lambskin flap bag
NecklaceTai gold alphabet necklace layered with thrifted pearl and heart charm long necklace
DressJeanswest 'Elodie' tie dye grey jersey maxi dress
ShoesBalenciaga studded sandals in sorbet RGGH (on sale!)
Bracelets: the usual plus House of Harlow sunburst wrap bracelet in cobalt and Disney Couture Winnie the Pooh bangle
BagChanel vintage quilted lambskin flap

Why I wore it:

This is what I wore to hubby's work Christmas party. We went out for dinner, and I had planned to wear one of my dressier non-maternity maxi dresses, but quickly found I couldn't squeeze the bump into it! Clothes that zip up are generally are not pregnancy friendly. Tried on a few and settled on this one instead. Stretchy jersey so I knew it would fit (I wore it through the third trimester last time) and I just added some glam accessories with my vintage Chanel bag.


Last worn: tie dye maxi dress, Balenciaga studded sandalsvintage Chanel flap bag.

Other ways to weartie dye maxi dress without a baby bump, Balenciaga studded sandals and a chambray dress, Chanel bag and a purple maxi dress.


 Marvellous maxi dresses under $50:






What I wore:

AwayFromBlue | Mothers En Vogue Havana Maxi Dress LV beandeau scarf as belt

AwayFromTheBlue | Accessories: Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC Hermes clic clac
Necklace: custom Cooper charm by Silhoupette layered with Chanel necklace
DressMEV Havana maxi dress C/O Zibibo
Belt: Louis Vuitton "comete" bandeau scarf
ShoesWittner 'Jasmarie' studded sandals
Bracelets: the usual plus Hermes pink clic clac
BagRebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

We had a dinner out with friends booked for a while and I was looking forward to it, but so much more after the Christmas party the night before. There were a lot of 'you're huge!', 'it must be twins!' and 'are you sure it's not twins?' comments from strangers at the party and it was getting to me a little, with all the pregnancy hormones! While my OB reassures me I'm measuring right on track, I still think I look a couple weeks bigger than at the same point in pregnancy with baby T. I know you'll always look bigger in subsequent pregnancies too as your abdominal muscles aren't as taught as they were the last time, but so many comments seem designed to put pregnant women down for the natural and normal weight gain that comes along with growing another human.

I am completely in awe and so grateful for a growing baby, and I'd happily have a belly twice the size if that means baby is growing as it should. Being pregnant is a blessing I am thankful for every day. It still stings a little to be constantly told how huge you are though, especially at a time when emotions are already a little unstable!
I don't want to appear ungrateful, I just want to highlight that there are nice ways to say things and not-so nice ways to say things and that when someone is pregnant suddenly all the weight comments start flying, with very few filters. Commenting that the bump is growing nicely or has gotten bigger since you last saw it is a lot politer than saying that pregnant women swell up like massive puffer fish, haha.

It was awesome to put on a pretty dress I knew I would fit, look good in, and laugh and joke with my friends for the evening. I am so blessed to have friends that know exactly how to compliment a pregnant lady, giant baby belly and all ;)


Last worn: purple maxi dress, Louis Vuitton bandeau, studded sandals, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC.

Other ways to wearmaxi dress in winter without a baby bumpLouis Vuitton bandeau worn in hair, studded sandals and denim shorts, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAC and skinny jeans.





The Asos 70% off sale includes some really pretty dresses if you're after some more maxi dress bargains.







Linking up with Fab Favourites, Flashback Friday, Fabulous Friday, Weekend Link Up, Let It Shine, Shoe and Tell, Modest Monday.



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Monday 14 December 2015

Last Minute Gift Ideas | Corporate Style in Pregnancy: Printed Dresses and LV Speedy Bandouliere

With the summer heat and humidity rising in Brisbane, I've been wearing my dresses a lot. Even non-maternity dresses are great options for a growing second trimester baby bump. Wearing an old favourite and a new one I bought recently just to give me another pregnancy office wear option.

What I wore:

Away from Blue | jeanswest paisley mixed print dress baby bump in the office

AwayFromTheBlue | JORD wood watch Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere
DressJeanswest 'Melanie' paisley mixed print dress
Belt: came with dress
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs studded mouse flats in grey (on sale in black)
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
BagLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

I picked up this dress in a Jeanswest sale when I was in the third trimester of my last pregnancy, and it comfortably fit the baby bump then. I love the colours and print of it, and how accommodating it is!

I think I could have accessorised this better - maybe a different bag - but otherwise I was comfortable and happy in this outfit for the office.


Last worn: Jeanswest mixed print dress, studded mouse flats, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere bag.

Other ways to wearJeanswest mixed print dress and blazer without a baby bump, studded mouse flats and skinny jeans, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere and denim shorts.


Do you still have some last minute gifts to buy for Christmas?

I thought I'd share a Shopbop gift guide. (Since you kindly mentioned that you didn't mind gift guides and some even found them useful.) With 3 day shipping worldwide and gift wrapping, Shopbop is a great place to shop if you need something quickly.





What I wore:

Away From Blue | Second Trimester Office Wear printed wrap dress non-maternity outfit

AwayFromBlue | printed wrap dress Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere
Dress: thrifted Target printed wrap dress (new purchase)
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
BagLouis Vuitton Damier Ebene 30 speedy bandouliere

Why I wore it:

When I was freaking out that I was outgrowing my wardrobe so quickly and had nothing to wear, I had a little hunt in the local op-shops, as well as hitting up the Jeanswest maternity section. I found this printed wrap dress for a dollar! Best op-shop buy ever! I really like the only maternity wrap dress I have, so I figured for a dollar I'd get plenty of wear out of this wrap dress in my pregnancy too. Especially in the office.

It's a size larger than I would normally buy, and it's longer than I'd usually go for, but that just means it's got plenty of length as the baby belly grows bigger and starts to make the dress shorter. The extra fabric to wrap around should hopefully ensure I can wear this through all three trimesters too, unlike my other non-maternity wrap dress that doesn't really wrap around enough in the third trimester!


Last worn: purple singlet, Walnut Melbourne ballet flats, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere (above). First time I've worn the wrap dress as it's a recent op-shop purchase.

Other ways to wearpurple singlet and a maxi skirt, Walnut Melbourne ballet flats and skinny jeans, Louis Vuitton speedy bandouliere with winter layers.



Linking up with Shoe and Tell, Let It Shine, Hello Monday, Modest Monday, Classy Monday, Turning Heads, Trendy Tuesday, Style Sessions, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday.


This post was created in partnership with Shopbop. Occasionally, Away From The Blue blog may receive vendor or brand sponsorships for mentioning their products or services. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own.




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Monday 7 December 2015

Corporate Style: Marc By Marc Jacobs Lil Ukita Bag

Consistently, the Marc by Marc Jacobs Ukita bag is one of the most clicked items on my blog. Probably because the rock lobster colour is awesome and it brightens up a neutral outfit really well. It's the perfect size for taking to work too.


What I wore:

Away from Blue | Second trimester black maternity jeans in office bright stripe tank

AwayFromTheBlue | Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Little Ukita bag in Rock Lobster
Necklace: thrifted pearl and heart charm long necklace
TankJeanswest 'Hannah' print tank in paradise pink multi
JeansJeanswest maternity skinny jeans in black
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats (also available in silver)
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs black leather Swarovski beaded wrap bracelet and JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
BagMarc by Marc Jacobs Little Ukita bag in Rock Lobster

Why I wore it:

As it was a slightly cooler day, I figured I'd get some wear out of my maternity jeans and wear them to the office again like I did with my last pregnancy. I did want to wear a button up shirt to look a little more professional, but couldn't find one that actually buttoned over the baby bump, ha! it was too hot to consider a blazer too, so I just wore the bright tank by itself.

I'm surprised I haven't worn this tank and bag together before, the colours go really well together.


Last worn: striped tank, Jeanswest maternity skinny jeans, Walnut Melbourne ballet flats, Marc by Marc Jacobs Lil Ukita.

Other ways to wearstriped tank and a maxi skirt, maternity skinny jeans post-baby, ballet flats and a pencil skirt, Marc by Marc Jacobs Lil Ukita and a striped dress.


Shop more Marc by Marc Jacobs Ukita bags:
(including the 'new Q', mine is the 'classic Q')






What I wore:

AwayFromBlue | Colourful Accessories with a neutral outfit grey tee black pencil skirt

AwayFromTheBlue | Marc by Marc Jacobs Rock Lobster Lil Ukita Bag Hermes Twilly as bracelet
Tee: Spectrum basic v-neck tee in grey marl
SkirtAsos maternity panelled pencil skirt in tartan check (non-maternity version here)
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs studded mouse flats in grey
Bracelets: the usual plus Hermes twilly worn as a bracelet (Confettis D'ex-Libris from 2009)
BagMarc by Marc Jacobs Little Ukita bag in Rock Lobster

Why I wore it:

Fully embracing the casual side of business casual with a grey tee and a pencil skirt for another day in the office. I'm lucky that my workplace has such a relaxed dress code and I can get away with wearing tees in the middle of the week.

After my Melbourne trip and drooling over some scarves and twillies in Hermes, I decided to get my twilly out again. I really can't pull off the neck scarf look without looking like a flight attendant, but I like wearing it around my wrist. I've done so before, but silk is not the most practical fabric to wear around a toddler so it hasn't been worn much recently. Need to make more of an effort to wear it. It was a nice way to have some colour in my outfit even when I wasn't wearing the bright Ukita bag.


Last worn: grey tee, tartan pencil skirt, studded mouse flats, Marc by Marc Jacobs Little Ukita bag (above).

Other ways to weargrey tee and a colourblock maxi skirt, tartan pencil skirt with brown and orange in third trimester, studded mouse flats and a printed dress, Marc by Marc Jacobs Little Ukita bag in winter.

Video review of the Marc by Marc Jacobs Ukita Bag:





Linking up with Shoe and Tell, Hello Monday, More Pieces of Me, Mix It Monday, Classy Monday, Turning Heads On Trend, Style Sessions, Confident Twosday, Wardrobe Wednesday.





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Tuesday 24 November 2015

Shopbop Buy More, Save More Sale! Second Trimester Office Wear: Maternity Pencil Skirts

First up, there's another big Shopbop sale on right now! It's the buy more, save more sale.

15% off orders over $250
20% off orders over $500
25% off orders over $1000

Having a bit of trouble filling up your cart enough to get the bigger discount you want?
  • It's so close to Christmas - check out the gift section and grab a few things for the special people on your Christmas lists. 
  • Try coordinating with a friend - you could consolidate an order to get bigger discounts for you both.
  • Do what I do, check out the handbag section (Rebecca Minkoff bags are my favourite) and you'll be sure to find something you 'have' to have, to hit that top discount easily!
Hope you pick up some great gifts and bargains, or bargain gifts!


Back to the usual what I've been wearing. It was actually a little exciting to open up the big bag of maternity clothes I'd set aside post-baby, and rediscover pieces I'd loved in my last pregnancy. I was extremely happy to see these Asos maternity pencil skirts again, they were real workhorses before.

What I wore:

Away From Blue | Second trimester workwear Asos maternity pencil skirt ruffle cami

AwayFromBlue | Balenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH
Scarf: Louis Vuitton "comete" bandeau scarf
Necklace: Lovisa silver love knitted heart pendant necklace
CamiJeanswest 'Maria' cami in cream
SkirtAsos maternity panelled pencil skirt in tartan check (non-maternity version here)
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats
Bracelets: the usual plus House of Harlow Aztec bangles in fuschia pink and silver, white and silver, Hermes pink clic clac
BagBalenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH

Why I wore it:

Just like last time I wore this scarf as a headband to the office, I got a bunch of compliments, which is always nice! I had a scan to check baby's progress in the early morning, and then it was Melbourne cup day so we had a bunch of events in the afternoon in the office. As I had just recently finished up the Frocktober fundraising challenge, I didn't really want to wear my usual dress option for Melbourne cup.

I figured the ruffles on this cami made it a little more dressy than a standard pencil skirt outfit, and the scarf in my hair was a nod to the headpieces worn to our themed event that afternoon.


Last worn: Louis Vuitton bandeau, ruffle cami, tartan pencil skirt, black ballet flats, Balenciaga part time bag.

Other ways to wearLouis Vuitton bandeau as a belt with a LBDruffle cami and a maix skirt, tartan pencil skirt in the third trimester, black ballet flats and skinny jeans, Balenciaga part time bag and a striped dress.



Shopbop Buy More Save More Sale code

Shopbop's buy more, save more sale is on right now! Check out the exclusions so you don't get any nasty surprises at the checkout.


Shopbop Buy More Save More Sale gift guide under $100
(everything pictured above is from the Shopbop gift section and under $100 before discount)



What I wore:

AwayFromBlue | 2nd trimester asos maternity pencil skirt teal henley business casual office

Away From Blue | JORD fieldcrest wood watch, Balenciaga black giant G21 hardware part time bag
NecklaceDogeared silver wishbone necklace (on sale!)
SkirtAsos maternity graphic print pencil skirt (non-maternity version here)
ShoesMarc by Marc Jacobs studded mouse flats in grey
Bracelets: the usual plus JORD black Fieldcrest wood watch (C/O)
BagBalenciaga part time in black 2010 with SGH

Why I wore it:

Back when I was still hiding the baby bump on the blog and in the office, I'd gone through my wardrobe pulling out a few possible outfit ideas. This pretty teal top was one of them, so it had been hanging at the front of the wardrobe waiting for me to wear it. I didn't get around to wearing it before starting Frocktober, so it had been sitting there unworn.

Was wondering what to wear with this pencil skirt when I saw this top and figured I'd better wear it again before the spring weather heats up too much. It was a slightly cooler day when I wore this so it worked out perfectly. I wasn't too happy with the length of this top worn like this - I usually always partially tuck it in - but I liked the combination of the teal with the black and white.


Last worn: teal henley, Asos graphic pencil skirt, studded mouse flats, Balenciaga part time bag (above).

Other ways to wearteal henley and a maxi skirtgraphic pencil skirt and burgundy tee, studded mouse flats and jeans, Balenciaga part time and skinny jeans.

Linking up with On Trend Tuesday, Style Sessions, Wardrobe Wednesday, Fresh Fashion, What I Wore, Oh Hey Girl, Weekend Link Up, Fun FashionFriday FavouritesLabour of Fashion, Fab Favourites, Flashback Fashion, Passion for Fashion.


This post was created in partnership with Shopbop. Occasionally, Away From The Blue blog may receive vendor or brand sponsorships for mentioning their products or services. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely my own.



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Sunday 22 November 2015

Maternity Skinny Jeans and Printed Tops: Second Trimester SAHM Style

I'm really enjoying wearing my maternity jeans again. It's so nice having something to wear that I know I'll fit into and feel good in. In the second trimester the bump grows so quickly it can be hard to guess what to wear each day!

What I wore:

Away From Blue Blog | floral print cami jeanswest maternity skinny jeans 2nd trimester

AwayFromTheBlue | Rebecca Minkoff silver metallic mini MAC bag with black skinnies
CamiJeanswest 'Amber' floral print ruffle cami
JeansJeanswest maternity skinny jeans in black
ShoesAsos 'five star' leather sandals
Bracelets: the usual plus Hermes pink clic clac
BagRebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC (on sale!)

Why I wore it:

I tried on a few other tops before I got to this one. It's pretty, so I wanted to wear it before the bump got too big, but I was really pushing the limits of it. Although it did fit better than a few of the other tops I'd tried, it didn't feel comfortable at all and I was wishing I'd picked a different top after a few hours!

Took toddler T out to a trial class of gymboree, which is like kind of like baby gymnastics. Basically a morning of play learning new moves; bouncing, running, rolling, swinging, singing songs. It was really fun! Toddler T loved it and I wasn't too tired out by the end of it (I did wonder how I'd cope running along with him!).


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarerfloral ruffle cami, black maternity skinny jeans, Asos leather sandals, Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC.

Other ways to wearfloral ruffle cami and a maxi skirt, black maternity skinny jeans in the office, Asos leather sandals and a maxi dress, Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC and a printed dress.





What I wore:

Away From Blue | Spring Second Trimester Outfit Maternity skinny jeans stripe tank printed kimono

AwayFromTheBlue Blog | Rebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC with skinny jeans
NecklaceHouse of Harlow sunburst necklace in silver and grey
TankJeanswest 'Josie' striped back strap tank
JeansJeanswest maternity super skinny jeans in antique blue
ShoesIkwetta 'Circles of life' sandals (C/O)
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet
BagRebecca Minkoff metallic silver mini MAC (on sale with black hardware!)

Why I wore it:

Wearing my super comfortable maternity jeans again to take toddler T to playgroup. I loved everything about this outfit and wouldn't change a thing!

It was a slightly cooler day in Brisbane after a couple of wet and stormy days, so it was perfect for jeans. I am grateful for the cooler weather as it lets me wear the jeans a little longer, I know in no time at all summer will be here and I'll have ditched them for shorts. I've already bought another pair of maternity shorts in anticipation....


Last worn: printed kimono, striped tankblue maternity skinny jeans, Ikwetta sandals, Rebecca Minkoff metallic mini MAC (above).

Other ways to wearprinted kimono and a bright tank, striped tank and printed shortsmaternity skinny jeans at 40 weeks pregnant, beaded sandals and a leopard print dressmini MAC and a maxi dress.

Linking up with Let It Shine, More Pieces of Me, Hello Monday, Styled Up, Mix It Monday, Classy Monday, Style Sessions, Turning Heads, Confident Twosday.




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Friday 20 November 2015

Finishing Frocktober: Boho Dress, Jeans and A Tee. Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAB Tote

My final October outfit! I had a bit of a backlog of outfit pictures before I started the Frocktober challenge, and I wanted to post them before I started sharing all of my Frocktober outfits. Mainly because it's a nice timeline of the development of the baby bump. Thanks for sticking with me while I wrapped up posting the old outfits.

What I wore:

Away From Blue | Jeanswest boho chelsea printed dress second trimester baby bump

AwayFromTheBlue | Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum purple closeup of Cooper adopted Shih Tzu
DressJeanswest 'Chelsea' printed dress
BeltAsos skinny pale pink belt
ShoesBalenciaga studded sandals in sorbet RGGH
Bracelets: the usual plus Hermes pink clic clac and purple Salvatore Ferragamo 'Vara' leather bow bracelet
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale in blue!)

Why I wore it:

My favourite dress to finish up Frocktober! Just a relaxing Saturday, spending some gift cards we found that expired that day, and going out for lunch.

It was an interesting challenge. If it had been one of the instagram style challenges I like to play along with, I would have given up a long time ago! It was only because I'd set myself a #31Days31DifferentDresses to fundraise for Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation that I kept going, as so many people had generously donated to encourage me.

I did a Frocktober wrap up post here. There were some outfits I loved, some I hated, and despite hoping I'd be able to clean out my wardrobe a little by getting rid of dresses that no longer worked for me, so very few dresses actually left my wardrobe! With many generous supporters, I managed to triple my initial fundraising target and raise over $600 for such a good cause. Thank you.


Last worn: Ray-Ban Wayfarers, boho print dress, pink belt, Balenciaga sandals, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote.

Other ways to wearboho print dress layered up for autumn, pink belt with a LBD, Balenciaga sandals and a back maxi dress, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote with a maxi dress.


Shop more Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote bags:






What I wore:

Away From The Blue | Second Trimester SAHM Style Kisschasy Final roar band tee skinny jeans

AwayFromTheBlue | Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum purple
Tee: Kisschasy the final roar band tee
JeansJeanswest maternity super skinny jeans in antique blue
Shoes: Big W purple thongs
Bracelets: the usual plus House of Harlow sunburst wrap bracelet in cobalt
Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum (on sale in mint!)

Why I wore it:

I was so excited to wear my maternity jeans after Frocktober! I wore my jeans and pants as much as possible in the early stages of my pregnancy with the help of a belly band, but I was really missing my maternity jeans. I knew as soon as I wore them the secret would be out, especially here on the blog, and I wanted to keep the secret to myself a little longer.

It was so good to wear these - comfortable and practical for a morning at playgroup with the toddler. I wore my Kisschasy band tee I'd picked up at their final Brisbane concert too. Toddler T and I both wore our graphic tees!


Last worn: Ray-Ban wayfarer (above), Jeanswest maternity jeans, purple thongs, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote (above). First time I've worn the tee as it's a recent purchase.

Other ways to wear: maternity skinny jeans and a newborn, purple thongs and shortspurple Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote with a black dress.


Linking up with Fab Favourites, Flashback Fashion, The Ultimate Rabbit Hole, Modest Monday.



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Wednesday 18 November 2015

Frocktober: Blue Printed Dresses - Work and Weekend with Gold Necklaces

For the final days of the Frocktober challenge, I'd saved some of my favourite blue dresses to wear. I'm sharing dresses 29 and 30, for work and weekend. I wore them both with gold necklaces!

What I wore:

Away from Blue | Spring Second Trimester Office Wear Aztec print dress ankle boots

AwayFromTheBlue blog | Marc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown
JacketJeanswest Cassandra jacquard jacket
NecklaceHouse of Harlow Dynamic necklace in gold
DressJeanswest Aztec print dress
Belt: Kmart thin gold glitter belt
ShoesAsos airtime leather Chelsea boots in tan
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs waxed leather cream howlite beaded wrap bracelet
BagMarc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown

Why I wore it:

Last time I wore this jacket (pre-Frocktober) I wore it with blue too, and the same accessories! I really like the jacket and the dress, so although they are both 'busy', I wanted to wear them together. It looked much better than the last time I tried to wear this jacket with a blue printed dress I think!

This dress is one of my favourites for work, and I'd saved it for near the end as it fit in the third trimester last time so I knew I'd definitely be able to wear it in the second trimester.

Wore this to MC a Frocktober frock fashion parade at work. Wearing my favourite colour, blue, always calms me and wearing a dress I'm happy and confident in even with a growing baby bump helped me be a little less nervous, as I hate public speaking. All the 'models' did so well, took the attention off me so I could relax a little more and we raised a lot for Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, which was wonderful!


Last worn: metallic boucle jacket, gold glitter belt, Aztec print dress, Asos Chelsea ankle bootsMarc by Marc Jacobs Fran.

Other ways to wearboucle jacket casually with a maxi skirt, gold glitter belt and a maxi dress, Aztec print dress in the third trimester, Asos Chelsea ankle bootsMarc by Marc Jacobs Fran with a pencil skirt.


Shop more gold necklaces under $100:



(some of these would be great Christmas gifts!)


What I wore:

Away From Blue | Second trimester SAHM style blue printed maxi dress baby bump

Away From Blue |  Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum purple with blue maxi dress
Necklace: Happiness Boutique turquoise and coral pendant necklace (C/O)
Dress: Jeanswest 'Chantelle' crochet detail blue printed maxi dress
ShoesIkwetta 'Circles of life' sandals (C/O)
Bracelets: the usual plus House of Harlow sunburst wrap bracelet in cobalt
BagRebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote in plum

Why I wore it:

I had to save a maxi dress for near the end of the challenge! It's been a few months since I last wore this dress too, as I last wore it for toddler T's first birthday party!

I wore this during the day, my sister and I took toddler T out for a morning of fun. We went to rhyme time at the local library, and spent a while inside an indoor playgrounds (I carried a pair of socks for me in the baby bag for that, as you have to wear socks). We had lunch together then took a very tired but happy toddler home to nap.

In the evening, I got changed into yet another dress! I hadn't had a chance to wear it during the challenge, was keeping it as one that would work for the office if I ran out of dresses, so it was good to squeeze in a wear. My sister and I went out to see one of our favourite bands we loved growing up, doing their final gig in Brisbane. I've shared my love for Kisschasy before, and they did play my favourite 'Strings and Drums' song as part of their set. It was a bittersweet show.


Last worn: blue printed maxi dress, Ikwetta sandals, Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB tote bag.

Other ways to wear: blue printed maxi dress for a Christmas party, beaded sandals with a leopard print dress, purple bag with a black maxi dress.


Linking up with Wednesday Wearables, Pleated Poppy, Style Me Wednesday, Oh Hey Girl, What I Wore, Fashion Files, Throwback Thursday, Fun Fashion, Weekend Link Up.




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Monday 16 November 2015

Frocktober: MbMJ Fran Bag, Dresses For The Office And Working From Home

Sticking with the outfit posting format I was using during October while sharing my Frocktober outfits, another two dresses in the order I wore them. Even if they are both very different looks, they do have the Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag in common I guess.

What I wore:

Away From The Blue | Second Trimester Office Wear Leona Edmiston Fern print dress boucle blazer

AwayFromBlue | Workwear Marc By Marc Jacobs Carob Brown Fran Bag
NecklaceHouse of Harlow Dynamic necklace in gold
Dress: Leona Edmiston Jemima fern print dress
ShoesWalnut Melbourne 'Ava' black lizard ballet flats
Bracelets: the usual plus Roie Designs black leather Swarovski beaded wrap bracelet
BagMarc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown

Why I wore it:

Last time I wore this dress, I hated the outfit, despite the good response it received online. This time around, I liked it much better! I've worn this dress in the second trimester before so I was confident that I could still fit into it, and so wasn't in a rush to wear it at the beginning of the Frocktober challenge. It really came in handy on this day when I was starting to worry I'd outgrown all my work appropriate non-maternity dresses.

It's funny comparing the pictures of when I wore it the second trimester before to now. I can definitely see that the baby bump is bigger this time around. It's always going to be that way with a second baby, but it's interesting having side by side photos to compare it to! Also gave me a giggle to see I'd worn it in a very similar way - same necklace, Marc Jacobs bag and black ballet flats!


Last worn: boucle blazer, Leona Edmiston fern print dress, Walnut Melbourne ballet flats, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag.

Other ways to wearboucle blazer in autumn, Leona Edmiston fern print dress hiding a first trimester baby bump, ballet flats and tights in winter, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag with pants in the office.



Away From Blue | Marc by Marc Jacobs Handbag Selection Shopbop




What I wore:

Away From Blue | Second Trimester Non maternity dress Zalora Basics shift converse chucks

AwayFromBlue | Marc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown
DressZalora Basics faux leather placket red shift dress
ShoesConverse Chuck Taylor All Star low in white
BagMarc By Marc Jacobs Classic Q Fran bag with gold hardware in carob brown

Why I wore it:

While it was warm and sunny in the morning, it got cold and rainy in the afternoon so the scarf was a welcome addition. I had to work from home in the morning and then had an OB appointment in the afternoon, after my appointment the week before was cancelled as there were too many ladies having babies and requiring the OB's attention! I slipped shorts underneath for that, but you can't see them in the pic.

I wasn't too impressed with the first time I wore this scarf, so I was eager to try it again. I preferred it worn this way, I twisted it a little to make it look less bulky. I wasn't sure about the red and yellow at first, but decided to give the colour combination a try.


Last worn: yellow scarf, red shift dress, white Converse, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran (above).

Other ways to wearyellow scarf with a navy printed dress, red shift dress layered up for winter (my favourite outfit with this dress), Converse and a maxi skirt, Marc by Marc Jacobs Fran bag for the office.

Linking up with Mix It Monday, Classy Monday, Style Sessions, On Trend Tuesday, Turning Heads, Wardrobe Wednesday, Wednesday Blog Hop.


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